Neisseria Meningitis Exposure South of Campus

To: Campus Community

From: WellCat Health Center 

Butte County Public Health notified the University and issued a press release late this afternoon indicating a visitor to Chico has tested positive for Neisseria Meningitis, a bacteria that causes meningococcal disease, a life-threatening illness.

The individual, who is not a student and not from the area, reported they spent time in the neighborhoods south of campus last weekend, including attending parties on both Friday and Saturday (April 12–13) nights at Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Kappa Tau, Theta Chi, and Kappa Sigma.

Neisseria Meningitis is spread from person to person through respiratory and oral secretions (saliva or spit) as the result of coughing, kissing, or coming into close contact with someone who is sick with the bacteria. Individuals who were at parties at those locations need to be aware of their potential exposure to this serious illness and take the following actions:

• Notify your primary healthcare provider or the WellCat Health Center of your potential exposure, regardless of vaccination status.
• Monitor for symptoms of meningitis, which include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, stiff neck, or altered mental status. Symptoms can develop over several hours or may take a few days. The incubation period can be 2 to 10 days.
• Confirm with your parents/guardians if you received the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) as a child. If you have been vaccinated, it reduces the likelihood you will contract the illness, but it is not 100% effective, and you still should be on the lookout for symptoms. The California State University requires the meningococcal conjugate vaccine as part of its enrollment immunization requirements (PDF).
• Refrain from sharing drinking glasses, smoking materials, eating utensils, or anything else that comes in contact with the mouth.

Beginning Monday, the WellCat Health Center will be open for student patients. Any student who begins to feel symptoms over the weekend should contact their primary care provider or visit urgent care immediately. Doctors treat meningococcal disease with a number of antibiotics. It is important that treatment starts as soon as possible.

We know after this week’s earlier message about the potential case of active tuberculosis, a second communication about a different communicable illness is concerning. Also know that other common illnesses are present in our community, such as COVID-19, the flu, and seasonal allergies. However, we recommend you be extra vigilant. Any health concerns should be treated seriously and tested for accordingly. There are numerous resources in our community, including:

• Enloe Prompt Care: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. seven days a week; 888 Lakeside Village Commons, Chico; 530-332-6850
• WellCat Health Center: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F 601 Warner Street
• Enloe Health (emergency room): Open 24 hours a day 1531 Esplanade (Enter at W. Fifth Ave.)

Please prioritize your health and well-being, and don't hesitate to utilize the provided resources if you have concerns or symptoms.